Most atomic clocks are bench-bound, and even portable
units can weigh in excess of 10 pounds. This invention is a
cesium laser atomic clock that can be constructed using photoresist
MEMS (microelectromechanical system) technology.
The glass cell measures about 1 cubic centimeter and it operates
using only about tens of milliwatts of electricity. The technology
can bring timing at atomic clock accuracy to applications
such as GPS, frequency hopping for security, and communication
channel density. By using a cesium cell, a laser
diode, and a photo diode, the system requires no volume resonator
to control the frequency of laser light.
By using MEMS manufacturing techniques, this miniature
atomic clock offers an order of magnitude decrease in size
and power consumption, and stability and accuracy comparable
to atomic clocks many times its size. Because of its size and
power consumption, the clock opens up new opportunities in
fields that require miniature, extremely accurate clocks.
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www.techbriefs.com/tow/200909b.html
Email: nasatech@yet2.com
Phone: 781-972-0600

Tamper-evidence properties are often achieved by adding
secondary packaging such as foil seals or heat-shrink seals that
inflate the cost of the container. This invention provides a
proven technology to produce an injection-molded, tamperevident
plastic lid for a container that can be used in the
absence of a foil lid, and yet provides an effective hermetic
seal. Even after its initial opening, the lid reseals air- and
water-tight. It is available in 1,000-ml and 500-ml sizes, but can
be molded to requirements. This product is ideal for yogurt,
ice cream, sauce, and even non-food items such as washing
powder, paint, and products where protection against moisture
is required after opening.
Most containers that have a foil seal also have a secondary
lid that fits loosely on the tub after the foil seal is removed.
Such lids do not offer water– and air–tight sealing. Secondary
seals such as foil seals add to the cost of the packaging and
prevent the product from being screened by metal detectors
to detect metal parts in the final product.
Get the complete report on this technology at:
www.techbriefs.com/tow/200909a.html
Email: nasatech@yet2.com
Phone: 781-972-0600

A company is searching for a disruptive technology relating
to dispersible packaging materials. The material should easily
dissolve in cold water and be 100% biodegradable in a short
space of time, without compromising the strength and performance
of the material for its given application. While
paper-based products are expected as potential solutions, the
material could also be polymer-based, a film, or bio-based. It
should be manufactured from sustainable raw materials and
have low toxicity for both final product and processing aids.
Respond to this TechNeed at:
www.techbriefs.com/tn/200908d.html
Email: nasatech@yet2.com
Phone: 781-972-0600

A company seeks technologies that enhance the duration
that herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and similar products
are held at a targeted depth within the top layers of soil.
Duration should be between 30 and 60 days. The targeted
depth varies with the crop plant, soil type, and pesticide, but
is usually between the surface and 3-4" deep. The technology
should not be persistent and should not affect the following
crop. It must degrade chemically or biologically in the soil.
Respond to this TechNeed at:
www.techbriefs.com/tn/200908c.html
Email: nasatech@yet2.com
Phone: 781-972-0600

Successful performance of BFM (Basic Flight Maneuvers)
presents the greatest challenge facing combat pilots.
Acquiring and maintaining the required skills for dogfights is
a long, complicated and costly process. The solution is a system
that provides automatic assessment of a situation and
automatic recommendation guidance to the pilot. Re c -
ommended guidance on the Helmet Mounted Sight/Head
Up Display Solution allows different BFM methods and simulates
activation of various missiles.
The software performs accurate, real-time situation assessment
and provides a dynamic guidance to the pilot. These
guidance and recommendations will help to enhance the
performance of the crew during the participation in a closein
maneuvering air combat training. A data link provides
real-time relevant data of the trainer aircraft. Aircraft and
weapon system performance and limits are input to system
software. The system provides constant assessment of the
BFM, and a unique algorithm analyzes and provides the realtime
solution.
Get the complete report on this technology at:
www.techbriefs.com/tow/200908b.html
Email: nasatech@yet2.com
Phone: 781-972-0600

This technology takes ZDDP — Zinc Dialkyl Dithiophos -
phate, an anti-wear oil additive — and enhances it by adding
fluorine to the chemical backbone. The resulting new molecule
improves engine fuel economy by 3%, reduces engine
wear from that available with conventional ZDDP, and contains
from 100 to 250 ppm of phosphorus to prolong the life
of catalytic converters. It contains about a third of the phosphorus
in conventional ZDDP, and the phosphate compounds
it does produce bind to the fluorine and become
embedded in the tribofilm deposited on the contact surfaces.
The additive is a liquid, and presents no suspension issues.
In grease and in similar lubrication applications, the new molecule
is effective at both low-load/high-speed applications and
at high-load applications. Fluorinated ZDDP has application
in all internal combustion engines; in gasoline, diesel, and natural
gas generators; in transmissions and differentials; and in
grease and lubrication applications (such as wheel bearings,
CV joints, journal boxes, and automated machinery).
Get the complete report on this technology at:
www.techbriefs.com/tow/200908a.html
Email: nasatech@yet2.com
Phone: 781-972-0600

John C. Stennis Space Center is embarking on a very ambitious era in its
rocket engine propulsion test history.
The first new large rocket engine test
stand to be built at Stennis Space
Center in over 40 years is under construction.
The new A3 Test Stand is
designed to test very large (294,000 lbf
thrust) cryogenic propellant rocket
engines at a simulated altitude of
100,000 feet.

Question of the Week

This week's Question: A recent study created by the Arizona-based Paragon Space Development Corporation says its life support system could help humans survive on Mars. The proposed Environmental Control and Life Support System, the company says,...